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MORFO combines forest engineering, ecological sciences, drones, machine learning and computer vision to rapidly restore large-scale, diverse forest ecosystems, while having a lasting impact on local stakeholders.
In all our projects, especially in the experimental areas, challenges turn into opportunities and improve our planting approaches. Our restoration efforts are not limited to planting new vegetation, but also to improving soil conditions and biodiversity.
Restoration of the Fazenda das Palmas forest ecosystem
Fazenda das Palmas was once a sugarcane farm cleared long ago, probably before 1985. The area remains abandoned, now covered with small shrubs, invasive and non-invasive grasses. In collaboration with ITPA (Instituto Terra e Preservação Ambiental), the Fazenda das Palmas project is restoring the tropical oceanic biome of the Mata Atlântica over 18 hectares in the municipality of Vassouras, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Fazenda das Palmas is a hilly site with steep slopes. Part of the area is a former eucalyptus plantation, with trees still standing and the presence of invasive species.
A project combining drone planting and manual planting
As part of the Fazenda das Palmas project, ITPA is involved in the preparation and manual planting of 27% of the land to be restored, using seedlings.
ITPA provides MORFO with advanced knowledge of the Mata Atlantica biome, access to a nursery that complements drone planting with manual planting, and the recruitment of local people to carry out the manual part of the planting. This Brazilian family organization has over 20 years' experience in tree planting. It has already contributed to the restoration of 200,000 hectares of Atlantic forest, one of the world's most degraded forests.
The first MORFO planting took place over 7 days in October 2023, with the participation of 4 team members. With the help of drones, we can plant up to 50 times faster and safer, as our team members operate at a distance from the slopes present on the ground. A second planting is scheduled for 2024.
Reforesting with biodiversity for a higher survival rate
Natural forests are ecosystems made up of a wide variety of plant and animal species. Each species plays a unique role in the ecosystem, and the loss of one species can have a knock-on effect on the whole ecosystem. In its restoration projects, MORFO mimics nature for a more resistant and resilient forest by recreating a rich biodiversity.
As part of the Fazenda das Palmas project, we have planted the second version of our seedpods, designed to increase the germination rate of the seeds they contain and the survival rate of the plants they will become. MORFO seedpods are dispersed by drone.
In total, we have planted 26 tree species on the Fazenda das Palmas project, all meticulously selected and endemic to the Atlantic rainforest biome.
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Complete monitoring is necessary to ensure the growth of the restored forest.
Restoring forest ecosystems involves more than just planting. It is crucial to monitor forest growth to ensure resilience.
Field visits, drone imagery and satellite tracking will be part of MORFO's comprehensive forest monitoring over the next 30 years on the Fazenda das Palmas estate.
A project with a high social impact
This project has a significant impact on the local population through three key aspects:
1. Creating job opportunities
It opens up new prospects for seed suppliers, particularly those who have few outlets for their forest products (especially seedlings). In addition, it provides jobs for those involved in planting and supervising the project, in partnership with ITPA.
2. A direct impact on local communities
This project has a direct effect on the lives of local people in the area concerned. It promotes increased biodiversity, encourages the return of wild animals, improves water quality and quantity, and enriches soil fertility, thus making a positive contribution to the local ecosystem and livelihoods.
3. Reducing slope-related risks
Due to its location on slopes, the lack of vegetation represents an erosion risk. Through a complete restoration of the flora, MORFO aims to mitigate this risk by stabilizing the soil and reducing the dangers associated with erosion, thus preventing soil degradation and preserving the local community and surrounding infrastructure.
